Semana Santa

Impressive but rather modest parades, which represent the suffering and the resurrection of Jesus Christ during Holy Week (week before Easter). Easter is the most famous religious festival here in Spain, where tradition has left indelible marks.

The images of saints – “Cofradías” that are carried during the processions are huge and heavy. There are statues that weigh from 1500 kg up to 6000 kg. These “cordadías” are carried in a certain rhythm – the so-called “Pasos”. It is even a family honor to be allowed to participate in the Semana Santa as “Nazareño” (Nazareños are the one who carry these images of saints). The Semana Santa is the highlight of the year for most Spaniards, where processions are held almost every day. The most impressive are those on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Good Friday, for example, there is the “Vía Cruzis” – cloister. A man carrying a cross, dressed like Jesus with a crown of thorns, surrounded by Roman soldiers and other biblical figures, whom people follow through various stations representing different events in the story. At each stop, there is a prayer or a biblical reading.

Fasting is also part of the tradition and starts on Ash Wednesday, lasts 40 days and ends before Easter Sunday.

Processions take place in larger but smaller towns. Special ones are certainly those in Orihuela and Murcia, as well as in Elche on Palm Sunday.